Apple has moved up sharply in Forbes’ annual ranking of the best employers for veterans in the United States. The company now sits at 18th place for 2025, a big leap from its 36th position last year and 68th in 2022.
Each year, Forbes and Statista ask nearly 20,000 veterans working at large U.S. companies to rate their employers. The survey focuses on how well companies support veterans in the workplace, including job transition, leadership opportunities, and employee benefits. After gathering responses, the two organizations analyze the data and create a final list of 150 top-ranked companies.
According to Forbes, U.S. veterans bring valuable traits to the workforce, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. However, many face challenges when moving into civilian careers. They often struggle to match their military skills to corporate roles or deal with the stigma tied to service-related injuries. That’s why this ranking highlights employers that actively help veterans build stable careers.
Apple’s improved ranking reflects its growing commitment to this community. The company runs a Veterans and Military Purchase Program that gives a 10% discount to current and former members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families. Apple also supports veterans through career development and inclusion efforts across its workforce.
Apple Rises Above Major Rivals
In this year’s rankings, Apple placed ahead of IBM, Meta, and Amazon, but still behind Google and Microsoft. The result shows Apple’s steady progress in attracting and retaining veteran talent through strong workplace policies and veteran-focused initiatives.
Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans continues to recognize companies that not only hire veterans but also ensure they thrive in long-term, meaningful careers.
